About Austin
Settled in the 1800s, the city of Austin was founded as the Village of Waterloo in 1837. Running along the banks of the Colorado River, it was the perfect place for the first settlers. In 1839, Waterloo was changed to Austin, after Stephen Austin, the first secretary of state, and it became the capital of Texas.
The city has almost one million occupants and plays host to thousands more every year due to the stellar weather, great attractions, and many parks to enjoy. It is the perfect spot for a gala with all of the impressive gala locations in Austin from outdoor pavilions on the beach to sophisticated ballrooms.
Interesting Fact: Every year, the city of Austin celebrates the birthday of Eeyore, the beloved donkey from Winnie the Pooh. It happens in Pease Park on the last Saturday of April and boasts free food and beverages.
Gala Location Options in Austin
Whatever reason for your gala, Austin has some of the best and most experienced event planners and vendors in the state of Texas. You will need food, drinks, entertainment, music, and so much more. Let the local companies take some of these jobs off your hands.
- Catering Companies
Austin has more than 150 professional catering companies to choose from and even more restaurants and other eateries that deliver food as well. No matter whether you want the full catered meal or just a few buffet tables, Austin has what you need.
- Entertainment
Are you looking for a live band to play all sorts of music? Or maybe a DJ who can keep the party hopping all night? You might also consider a comedian or magician to entertain your guests. Get whatever you need to make your Austin gala perfect.
- Décor
Of course, you want the best décor for your gala location in Austin and they have more than 350 decorating companies in the city to help you out. From just a casual gala with flowers and balloons to an extravagant display of banners, lightboard displays, and sensational lighting features, they have all that and more.
Gala Location Companies in Austin
No need to worry about finding a catering company, entertainment, or decorator in Austin. This city has an endless supply of talent and experience in event planning, servicing, and decorating. And anything else you may need.
- Funny Business Agency
This company books nationally so you can get whatever kind of entertainment you want for your Austin gala location. From the Master of Ceremonies to fun comedians and everything in between, this place has it all and then some. They even have mentalists, murder mystery themes, ventriloquists, and game shows. They have all the acts you need.
- Texas Professional Disc Jockey Company
If you are considering a disc jockey for your gala, Texas Professional Disc Jockey Company has been jamming since 1999 and they have excellent reviews. In fact, they have been voted best DJs in Texas for the past five years! This place has hundreds of DJs, and many have done over a thousand events, so they are plenty experienced.
- Crave Catering
Crave Catering has also been in business since 1999 and what began as a small family business is now a booming company with several awards, tons of five-star reviews, and the best food you could ask for. Some of their featured plates include smoked beef tenderloin, chicken fried lobster, and braised duck.
Pros and Cons of Gala Locations in Austin
Before packing your bags or signing any contracts, make sure Austin is the right place for your gala location. Every city has its ups and downs. Here are a few things to know about Austin.
Advantages
- Lots of sunshine
Everyone loves sunshine, right? Well, Austin has more than 250 days of sunshine per year so bring your sunglasses. It is even warm in the winter with averages in the 60s.
- Plenty of greenspaces
Whether you want to take a hike, ride the trails on a mountain bike, go for a swim, or just relax in nature, Austin has all of that and more.
- You won’t go hungry
You do not have to make reservations or stand in line at one of the popular eateries when you get hungry. You will find a plethora of food trucks all over the city to boost your energy levels.
Disadvantages
- Bad traffic
Driving a vehicle in Austin is not such a great idea for tourists. The roads are either jammed with cars or being worked on with detours that take you well out of your way. Try public transportation or a private car service instead.
- It gets hot
Summers in Austin can be pretty toasty with highs nearing the 100-degree mark. But there are plenty of swimming holes and air-conditioned spots to enjoy so don’t worry.
- High crime rate
With a crime rate of 45 per 1,000 people, Austin is not a place you want to walk around at night alone. Your chance of being a victim of a crime is one in 24. Stay away from high crime areas like Riverside, Saint Johns, and Rosewood.
Famous Locations in Austin
- McKinney Falls State Park
Nature lovers flock to McKinney Falls all year long to see its stunning waterfalls, hike the trails, and see some of the historical sites throughout the park. Onion Creek rushes boldly over limestone ledges in many areas of the park. Just meander along Onion Creek Trail, which is almost three miles long. Don’t miss the Smith Rock Shelter used by Native Americans as far back as 500 BC.
- Bullock Texas State History Museum
To learn more about those Native Americans who lived in the area, visit the Texas State History Museums. It boasts over 16,000 years of history with many items from the Gault Archaeological Site dating back to 13,500 BP. Some of the oldest items include a turquoise armband, projectile points, and prehistoric painted pebbles.
- Austin Zoo
What started as a small goat ranch in 1990 is now a 16-acre zoo with more than 300 animals rescued from injury or danger. Some of the featured wildlife include porcupines, ring-tailed lemurs, black bears, monkeys, cougars, tigers, and lions. It also has a dairy barn where you can feed the goats and sheep.
